What is “tension-free” playing?  Is it “relaxed” playing?

Playing involves work—you have to contract muscles. You cannot be fully relaxed and play the piano, or any keyboard. However, many keyboardists engage in physical effort that is unrelated to, and often an obstacle to, good playing. Tension is defined here as unnecessary muscle contraction. In tension-free playing, the work is done only by the muscles needed for the task and only to the degree necessary. To play “without tension” does not mean to be “relaxed”, “floppy” or “loose.” or any other state that interferes with energy, mental focus, and coordination required for playing the piano. In fact, the Lister-Sink Method expressly discourages using these terms.

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